100th Anniversary

100 years ago (yesterday, to be exact), the most important American (U.S.) work of symphonic music was premiered: the Rhapsody in Blue.

Its opening theme has been said to be as recognizable as Beethoven´s 5th Symphony or Mozart´s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. I agree.

And funnily enough, it was very close to never being composed!

Paul Whiteman, an eminent bandleader, had asked Gershwin to compose an important concerto-like piece to be premiered at an important event in the Aeolian Hall in New York City.

Gershwin declined due to time constraints.

But…

Soon after this, he was playing billiards with a friend when suddenly, his brother Ira interrupted them and read them a news article aloud. The article stated that Gershwin had begun working on a “Jazz Concerto” for Whiteman´s concert.

Puzzled by this, Gershwin spoke with Whiteman and instead of clearing things out, he was eventually persuaded to write the work (which was to be premiered only 5 weeks later).

The title came as an inspiration from Whistler´s paintings (which Ira Gershwin had recently seen in an exhibition) with titles such as Nocturne in Black and Gold, or Arrangement in Grey and Black.

Gershwin´s Rhapsody in Blue is one of my favorite pieces to perform.

And here is a video from my latest solo performance of this work, in an arrangement by the composer himself. Click here to listen.

Enjoy and, have a great day!

Claudio.